Moreau Naudet 2022
“This is one of Chablis’s finest estates, and the domaine deserves to be much better known”
Moreau Naudet wines remind me of Chablis from the old days; taught, focused, pure, lip-smacking acidity that leaves you certain…it could be nothing but Chablis!
We all know that great wines begin in the vineyards. With Moreau Naudet’s canvas of some of the finest 1er cru vineyards, it’s no surprise that the resulting wines have reached these breathtaking heights. The combination of a high percentage of old vines, coupled with the fact that most are aged in stainless steel, result in freshness, purity and transparency. Add to that, the quality of the 2022 vintage simply spells: This vintage. This domaine. This is one to own.
A note about the artwork on the label….if you have ever driven around in Chablis, there is a monument on one of the roundabouts of a hand holding a bunch of grapes. The image on the label seems to be a play on that famous monument. Both seem to pay homage to the hand, which provides the manual labor involved in producing great wine. A single grape held between thumb and forefinger representing the singular wine Chardonnay, or that every single grape is given immense consideration from vineyard to vinification. What’s your interpretation?
It truly is a great estate and one that very much deserves your attention. The wines are absolutely first rate!
The domaine's holdings in Forets is made up of two parcels, totaling just under 2 hectares. The older parcel is of 60 year old vines and is right next to Vincent Dauvissat's holdings. The second is made up of younger vines (25 years old) and is next door to Raveneau's parcel of Forets. Forets identity among the geologically diverse premier crus in Chablis is one of notable power and intensity. It's soil is made up of a variety of different clays and decomposed rock over limestone which together with a southeastern exposure create a warm microclimate.
From a one-hectare parcel of 50-year-old vines within the lieu-dit Chapelot, Moreau-Naudet's Montée de Tonnerre is consistently their most mineral driven wine. The soils are sandy with a rocky topsoil and rich in Kimmeridgian limestone.
Moreau-Naudet's holdings in Vaillons are around 1.7 hectares from Roncière, Séchet (75 year old vines) and Epinottes. Fermentation is, as always, with natural yeast with up to a three month maceration on lees. Raised in stainless steel.
